God is always good
by Janean
Since Hannah’s passing, hymns that we sing have taken on new meaning in my life. Growing up in a Christian home, with a grandfather who was a pastor, and being surrounded by people who loved and served the Lord, I have learned many hymns and have sung them over and over again. But over the past 10 months, when I sing those hymns, I have come to realize that there are meanings and reasonings behind why the author wrote those words. The main motivation for the lyrics is usually a personal encounter with a tragedy or a realization of who God is and what His plan is in the author’s life. Sometimes when I watch a video with singers, they usually are standing out in the beautiful sunshine with a soft breeze blowing ever so gently across their hair. They have a massive, delightful smile across their face and their eyes are glittering with joy, love, and peace as they recite each verse and chorus. Sometimes, I ask myself, “Do they really hear and understand what they’re singing?” “Would they be able to have that smile and sparkling eyes if they were just hit with a tragedy?”
One song that I have heard often is “You are Always Good.” The music was composed by Ron and Shelly Hamilton’s son Jonathan Hamilton, and the lyrics were written by Chris Anderson. I have heard it before, during, and after Hannah’s funeral. When I heard it before Hannah’s passing, I remember just thinking to myself that it was a nice song. Then it ended up being one of the songs sung by the MBU students at Hannah’s funeral. Since then, I have listened to it over and over again, but my reaction to the song varies at times. When I am reflecting on all the good that I have seen God do these last 10 months, I am able to raise my eyes toward heaven and with a rejoicing smile say, “You are always good.” Then there are times, when I am remembering Hannah’s life and reliving that dreadful week, my head is lowered, and with tears flowing down my cheeks, all I can do is whisper, “You are always good.”
Let’s take some time and look at the truths in this song.
The first verse reads,
“Looking back, I can see Your fingerprints
Upon my life, always seeking my best.
There were times when Your way would make no sense,
But as You said, You have never left.”
This verse brings to light God’s sovereignty. Sovereignty means that God has ultimate authority and power over all creation, and that nothing happens outside of His will or permission. Romans 8:28 – 29 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God knew that we would be faced with hardships, and He has said throughout Scripture that He is always with us and will never leave us. Isaiah 43:1-2, “But now thus saith the LORD that created you … Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.”
Verse two of the song encourages us that as we evaluate ourselves and see our wickedness, God is faithful towards us despite our sin and weakness.
“Looking in, I can see my frailty.
My sin is great, and my strength is so small.
Still, You stay, and Your mercy shelters me.
You hold my hand, and You hear my call.”
Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholds him with His hand.”
The song continues in verse three;
“Looking up, I can see Your sympathy.
I doubt myself, but I’m sure of Your love.
Lavish grace was poured out at Calvary,
Securing me for our home above.”
This verse speaks about how we doubt ourselves and our abilities to do right. But then we are encouraged to look up toward God and to trust in His goodness since He gave His own Son for our security of eternal fellowship with God forever. Romans 8:32, “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
The grand finale is found in the chorus.
“You are always good, You are only good.
You are always good to me.
Though my eyes can’t see, help my heart believe.
You are always, only good.”
Hearing those four words, “God is always good”, can be difficult at times to believe. But we can see this truth in several verses of the Bible. John 10:11, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Verse 14 says, “I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep.” Psalm 100:5, “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in him.”
In researching how this song even came into existence, I found out that Jonathan Hamilton was struggling with an illness that eventually did take his life. Even though, Jonathan, his family, and his friends were stricken with hardships, they still saw and were able to say, “God is always good.”
We are blessed.
Hannah Helps 